STATE OFFERS GRANTS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL WELLNESS POLICIES

Schools can now apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding to help promote healthy school environments.

Idaho received a federal Team Nutrition Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2012 and 2013. With this funding, the state will award 20 schools up to $1,000 each to use in developing and implementing an active and effective school wellness policy.

Research shows healthy students are better prepared to learn while in school. One effective way for schools to promote a healthy school environment is by establishing a wellness policy, which is a comprehensive plan to help improve the overall health and nutrition of students.

The wellness policy addresses health, nutrition and physical activity both in school and through partnering with the community.

Local school districts, public charter schools and private schools that participate in the USDA’s National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply for the School Wellness Mini-Grant. Priority will be given to schools with an active school wellness committee or school health advisory council.

Visit our website to learn more about the mini-grants or to download a copy of the grant application. If you have questions, please contact Dianne Esplin, Child Nutrition Coordinator, at (208) 332-6827.

The deadline to mail or e-mail applications to the Idaho State Department of Education is 5 p.m. MST on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.